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Thinking Aloud
Why HDB flat dwellers have the best of both worlds
They own the flats and can profit from them, but HDB as lessor remains super landlord to provide subsidised upgrading throughout the 99-year lease
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The raging debate over Housing Board flats and whether these are "owned" or merely "leased" from the Government on 99-year leases is driven by a false dichotomy.
I have been following the debate as it gets increasingly heated. On one side are those who say HDB flats are merely leased. Others refute this and say HDB flats are owned, as buyers have ownership rights for the term of the 99-year lease. Online, it was distressing to see people question the integrity of the Government's home ownership policy as a result of that debate.
